The Oropouche virus has caused the first two deaths in Brazil. Spread primarily by mosquitoes and midges, the virus causes dengue-like symptoms. Read on to learn more!

Mosquito-borne infections are increasing worldwide. From dengue to West Nile virus, infections are spreading rapidly. A lesser-known disease called Oropouche virus is in the news after killing two young women in Baha, Brazil. The virus is spread by the bite of infected midges, a type of tiny filet, although it can also be transmitted by mosquitoes. Let's learn more about this emerging disease.

The virus was first identified in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago. It is believed that the virus may have been introduced by an infected person from a forest environment to an urban environment. Since then, it has been associated with significant outbreaks and sporadic occurrences in tropical regions including Brazil, Peru, Haiti, Colombia, and French Guiana. The pathogen is transmitted by mosquitoes such as Culex quinquefasciatus, Coquilletidia venezuelensis and Aedes serratus mosquitoes.

What are the symptoms?

Oropauche virus causes symptoms similar to dengue. This includes:

• fever
• Muscle aches
• Stiff joints
• headache
• Vomiting
• nausea
• It's cold
• Sensitivity to light

Can Oropouche virus be treated?

There is currently no cure for Oropouche except for disease-specific antiviral drugs or vaccines. To manage the disease, one should focus on controlling symptoms with analgesics, antipyretics, and adequate hydration.

Oropau virus is poorly understood compared to other viruses such as dengue and chikungunya. Researchers need to study the virus more to understand how it affects different types of people.